Program Director

Level: Director
Department: Kennedy Shelter
Reports To: Senior Director of Fairfax Emergency Services
Salary Range: $78,000–$84,000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Fort Belvoir, VA

About Us

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots response to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since our inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs while partnering with government agencies, private organizations, and community members.

Today, Shelter House is a respected nonprofit organization with more than 200 employees dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the past year alone, our compassionate team positively impacted the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of whom were children.

Our culture is built upon our core values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.).

About the Role

The Program Director oversees the daily operations of Kennedy Emergency Shelter, serving up to 50 single-adult households.

Additional program oversight includes:

• Hypothermia Shelter
• Drop-In Services
• Outreach Services
• Kitchen Operations
• Facility Maintenance

As a member of Shelter House's Leadership Team, the Program Director develops and implements strategies that support organizational and program goals in alignment with the agency's mission, philosophy, and core values. The Director ensures best practices are implemented across all program areas and collaborates with Fairfax County's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and community partners to advance the county's Ten-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for Emergency Shelter, Hypothermia, Drop-In, and Outreach programs.
• Actively participate in Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings to strengthen community partnerships and support Fairfax County's Ten-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Programs (ADP), Assistant Director of Shelter Operations (ADSO), Kitchen Manager, and Custodian, ensuring continuity of operations during vacancies or staff absences. Supervise interns as needed.
• Support the ADP in implementing strengths-based, trauma-informed, and solution-focused case management practices while assisting with complex cases and crisis intervention.
• Ensure compliance with Fairfax County HMIS requirements and monitor the quality, accuracy, and completion of client documentation.
• Support the ADSO in maintaining a safe, housing-focused residential environment and overseeing facility and vehicle maintenance.
• Coordinate staffing and operational needs during weather events, emergencies, and other critical incidents.
• Ensure all services comply with agency philosophy, evidence-based practices, grant requirements, contracts, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, and workflows aligned with Shelter House standards and funder expectations.
• Oversee customer satisfaction surveys and incorporate participant feedback into program improvements.
• Facilitate client appeals related to extensions, discharges, and other program decisions.
• Partner with Data Program staff to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, conduct file audits, and prepare reports for quality assurance and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to manage program budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
• Deliver presentations and represent Shelter House at community events and meetings as requested by the Development or Executive Teams.
• Partner with the Community Coordinator to communicate program needs, track in-kind donations, and strengthen community relationships and donor engagement.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and support staff during crises, emergencies, and staffing shortages.
• Model Shelter House core values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four or more years of progressive leadership, program management, and staff supervision experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, communication, team building, and leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgment.
• Trauma-informed, flexible, and creative approach to service delivery.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Experience leading programs serving individuals or families experiencing homelessness.
• Experience managing residential or emergency shelter programs.

Physical Requirements

• Annual TB test required.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 10–20 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match.
• 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• The opportunity to take your birthday off.
• Two semi-annual team-building events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (40 and over), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the position, or any other legally protected status.

Shelter House provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant employees, and employees requesting accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants and employees requiring accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department.

Drug-Free Workplace

Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace.

All applicable subcontracts and purchase orders exceeding $10,000 must also include provisions supporting a drug-free workplace.

Benefits

Benefits:

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match 

• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.